All steps of the recruiting process are necessary in order to successfully find the right college fit, however taking college visits is when the process really begins to take shape. Due to an updated NCAA policy that went into effect in April 2018, college coaches and athletic staff are no longer allowed to meet with prospective student-athletes when they are on campus until Sept 1 of their junior year. At that point, however, official visits are now allowed to take place.

While the days of freshmen and sophomores taking unofficial visits to meet with college coaches are over, the importance is now placed on communication prior to that time and the impression a recruit makes on those visits during junior year. You can still visit and tour the campus prior to Sept 1 of junior year and communicate with the coach within the contact rules via phone and email so take advantage of those opportunities to stay ahead.

Some tips to keep in mind for the visit:

  • Leave your cell phone in the car.
  • Look the coach in the eye and shake their hand.
  • Sit up straight in the chair. Don’t slouch and slump.
  • Be enthusiastic.
  • Ask questions!!
  • Speak for yourself, don’t look at your parents for answers.
  • Be gracious. Coaches are very busy so thank them for taking time out of their schedule to meet with you.
  • Send a handwritten thank you note following the visit.

For the parents:

  • If your junior golfer is shy/quiet help prep them for the visit ahead of time. Make them go talk with an adult who they don’t know very well. Push them out of their comfort zone so they aren’t nervous on the visit.
  • Let the junior golfer run the show.
  • Coaches want to hear from the parents as well but never answer for the junior golfer.
  • Try to allow some time for just the coach and junior golfer to talk.

If you would like more information on scheduling and taking college visits please contact RecruitPKB College Consultant Brandi Jackson at bjackson@pkbgt.org